John Southmayd, from Hadlime, CT, was in Campton as
early as 1773. He is reported to have brought to the town
$500, which was more money than any one had brought who
came before him. He settled on the intervale east of
Samuel Holmes. He married for his first wife, Prudence,
the youngest sister of Abel Willey, in 1774. That wedding
among the earliest in the place, was joyous and memorable.
It occurred the day after the settlement of the first
minister, Rev. Mr. Church, and was followed in less than
two years by the death of the young wife and mother. His
second wife was the daughter of Deacon Baker. By his
superior education and mechanical skill, Esquire Southmayd
was able to make himself useful to his neighbors and
townsmen. He was a justice of the peace and town clerk
for a long time. He was the only surveyor and a good
carpenter. He and his neighbor Holmes were from the same
town in Connecticut. On one occasion they visited there
together and came back with different political bearings,
the one inclining to the Federalist party and the other to
the Democratic. When the inquiry was made "how this came
about?" the answer was " they attended different schools."
Esquire Southmayd was a leading politician. It is said of
him that he voted the Democratic ticket when no other man
in town voted with him. (From Proceedings at the
Centennial Celebration of the Town of Campton, NH 1868)
Click here to go to Campton, NH page.
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I am working on a Southmayd genealogy, male and female lines. If you are a descendant, please send genealogical data. Thank you.
Click here to go to Campton 1790 Census page.
